A breakdown of the Kansas City Chiefs 2018 draft class and its progress after four weeks of training camp:
Breeland Speaks, OLB, second round: With Justin Houston and Dee Ford entrenched as the starters, Speaks won’t be a regular in the lineup, but will still get a share of the snaps. He needs to refine the pass-rush moves that he has and add a couple more to his collection but he could be a starter by 2019.
Derrick Nnadi, NT, third round: Nnadi is currently running behind veteran Xavier Williams at his position but will get playing time as part of the defensive line rotation. Nnadi missed the opening preseason game because of an injury but played well last week with three tackles and a sack.
Dorian O’Daniel, ILB, third round: O’Daniel’s main impact as a rookie should be on special teams, where he will be on the coverage and return units. On defense, the Chiefs hope he can develop into a nickel coverage specialist but playing time there appears some time off.
Armani Watts, S, fourth round: Playing time is available to Watts after the Chiefs lost starter Daniel Sorensen at least until the early portion of the season. Watts had an up and down preseason but played much better last week, forcing a fumble against the Falcons.
Tremon Smith, CB, sixth round: Like O’Daniel, Smith’s major contribution as a rookie could come on special teams. He could wind up as the kickoff return specialist, where his speed would be beneficial.
Kahlil McKenzie, G, sixth round: McKenzie, who played defensive line in college, is learning a new position. He’s far down on the depth chart and unlikely to earn much playing time, if any, as a rookie.
